Alexandria — The Alexandria Zoological park is hosting a Celebrate Les day in honor of Natchez native, Leslie Whitt on Saturday.

Whitt, a longtime director of the zoo, died recently. He was 56.

Celebrate Les day is an all day event with the zoo offering free admission for the entire day.

Amanda Whitt, niece of Leslie Whitt, said the zoo is also planning special activities such as face painting and inflatable jumpers for children.

She said there will also be special events at some of the animal exhibits.

“I know they have a huge popsicle they are going to put in the bear exhibit and some pumpkins they are going to place with the tigers,” Whitt said. “Anytime you put something new in the exhibit, the animals are more active.

“The zoo is doing it for the children because that is something my uncle would have done.”

There will also be a special music provided by friends of Whitt from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday.